Costco is about more than just buying in bulk; it’s also about figuring out just how much you are getting for every dollar you spend. Though prices will vary by location, there are some staples savvy Costco shoppers can’t leave the store without.
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GOBankingRates scoured Reddit to find out what the wholesale membership club’s most devout fans won’t leave Costco without during every single haul. Here’s what they said.
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Organic Baby Bella Mushrooms
Current estimated price: $6.99 for 24 ounces
In the r/Costco subreddit, idkcat23 opened a thread titled, “What staple items do you get every trip?”
A Redditor and Costco fan who goes by Bunnyhat wasted no time writing, “Mushrooms. They have huge bella mushrooms in the fridge section that just can’t be beat on size and price. I can add mushrooms to just about any meal.”
Rex3001 added, “Oooo we get the baby bellas and make stuffed mushrooms. We get the big boys in the summer for grilling, tastes just like steak!”
Just make sure you like mushrooms — the only option is a pound-and-a-half container.
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The Rotisserie Chicken (Obviously)
Current estimated price: $5.99
In the same thread, Redditor Ok-Understanding3092 suggested the one product that Costco is famous for above all else — the legendary Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken, which the staff makes sure you can smell throughout the store.
Costco sells millions of these every year, in part because they continuously undercut nearly every other competitor — the famous roasted bird has cost $4.99, or just over, since 2009.
Paper Towels
Current estimated price: $23.39 for 12 rolls
Redditor frogz0r had a more practical pick, stating simply, “Paper towels.”
You can score 12 individually wrapped 160-sheet two-ply rolls from Kirkland Signature for $23.39. At 1,026 total square feet, that’s $2.27 per 100 square feet.
Rao’s Pasta Sauce When It’s on Sale (Which It Often Is)
Current estimated price: $14.03 for two 28-ounce jars
Named after the iconic New York City Italian restaurant where only the rich and famous can seem to get a reservation, Rao’s line of pasta sauces has developed a cult following of true believers who insist it is second to none — but it’s expensive, and when Costco runs sales, the die-hards don’t waste any time.
Redditor swinging-in-the-rain wrote, “I buy a ridiculous amount of Rao’s when it’s on sale. Can’t ever have enough.”
Ikdkat23 chimed in “Same, I think we have 4-5 in my pantry right now.”
Costco runs sales on Rao’s frequently, so keep your eyes peeled with every haul to your favorite club warehouse. Two 28-ounce jars are currently on sale online for the equivalent of 25 cents an ounce — and it’s often found in-store for even less. By comparison, it’s 29 cents an ounce at Walmart.
Tzatziki
Current estimated price: $9.99 for 2 pounds
Zmmrke won’t leave Costco without a versatile, flavorful and healthy dip that is a Mediterranean staple.
“The tzatziki,” the Redditor wrote. “I’m not kidding when I say I have 3 containers in my fridge right now. Delicious and 50 cal for 2 tbsp.”
When asked how they use it, Zmmrke responded, “We do a lot of chickpea bowls for lunch. So chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives (also from Costco). It’s good with carrots as a dip. Gyros or if you do a gyro bowl on rice.”
You can get a two-pound tub of Hannah brand tzatziki for $9.99.
Gas
Current estimated price: varies by location and state
Finally, there’s the one product that you can’t get online or inside the store — and it’s one of the biggest incentives to buy a membership.
“Gas,” wrote mrpink57, with HailSkins adding, “This is the one right here. I top off my tank EVERY time I go.”
It’s not hard to understand why as Costco gas can be significantly cheaper than other gas stations in the same area. Although it sells top-quality gasoline, there are some good reasons why it’s so cheap such as being subsidized by membership fees.
However, the biggest reason is that, like the rotisserie chicken, it doesn’t sell gas to make a profit. It sells it to get shoppers in the store. No matter the logic, Costco gas is so cheap it essentially covers the cost of membership and then some.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Costco Items You Should Get on Every Haul
